How do I?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Grace
  • Start date Start date
| When turning off my computer I do I make sure NO one else
| can turn it on?

Disconnect the power cord and take it with you! ;-)

Larc



§§§ - Please raise temperature of mail to reply by e-mail - §§§
 
1. Put in a bios "user" password and a bios "setup" password. I can reset
the bios in under 3 minutes.

2. Set up the bios so that you can not boot from a CD. See number 1. I will
make it bootable.

3. Remove the CD drive. I have many spares, both old and new. I will replace
it.

4. Take power cord with you. I have many of those also!

5. Install key lock in power supply. I have many alligator clip jumper
leads. I also have quite a few spare power supplies.

As you can see, there is no way to make your computer secure unless it is
under lock and key, with armed personnel guarding it. If I can get into your
computer, I will (as "THE Administrator") take ownership of all your
personal files and browse them to my hearts content.

6. Use removable "tray carrier" for your hard drive. If you shut down the
computer, and then remove the hard drive and take it with you, I can steal
your computer. I can install a new hard drive and a new operating system. I
will have a fully functional computer - BUT I WILL "NOT" HAVE YOUR PERSONAL
FILES!
 
You should be able to put a BIOS password on it. If you do, nobody
can boot the machine without that password, but they can turn
Click to expand...
it on.


Although a BIOS password may be good enough for Grace's needs, it
should be noted that it is among the weakest forms of protection
there is. It will keep out children and casual curious
passers-by, but it's far from true that "nobody can boot the
machine without that password." Anybody who really wants to can
get past a BIOS password with ease; there's often more than one
way to do this, but simply removing the motherboard battery for a
an hour or so (sometimes even less) is easy enough.
 
Rob said:
Best way: Take the computer with you and guard it.
Second best way: put it in a safe

If truly required to ensure nobody turns it one, you must prevent
physical access to the computer. Do not count on our expect any
protection by the software.

That being said, the software can provide protection and only you can
judge the risk of that.
Click to expand...

If you are talking about physically turning the computer on with the
on-off switch, then Mr. Schneider's advice is spot on. If you are
talking about setting it so no one can get into the operating system,
then set a password in the BIOS.

Malke
 
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